Portarlington, Victoria

Portarlington
Geelong, Victoria
Portarlington seen from the town's pier
Portarlington
Coordinates38°07′0″S 144°39′0″E / 38.11667°S 144.65000°E / -38.11667; 144.65000
Population4,436 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)3223
Location
LGA(s)City of Greater Geelong
State electorate(s)Bellarine
Federal division(s)Corangamite
Localities around Portarlington:
Port Phillip Port Phillip Port Phillip
Bellarine Portarlington Indented Head
Drysdale St Leonards St Leonards

Portarlington is a town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, 28 km from the city of Geelong, in the state of Victoria, Australia. It has a diverse population which includes a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, a high proportion of retirees, and a large seasonal holiday influx. The gently rising hills behind the town feature vineyards and olive groves, and offer spectacular panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay. Portarlington is a popular family holiday destination and a centre of fishing and aquaculture (mussels). At one time the town claimed the largest Caravan Park in the Southern Hemisphere, although the size has reduced considerably in recent decades. With direct ferry links to the city of Melbourne Portarlington also serves as a gateway to the historic towns and surf beaches of the Bellarine Peninsula.